Best movies like So Long, My Son
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
The changes in Chinese society from the 1950s to the '80s, as experienced by two families.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 5000
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 185 min
Plot tags: sexy, social, independent film, non-linear
Best tv shows and movies like So Long, My Son (2019):
Similar in 76%
Angels Wear White (2017)
Plot Summary:
In a small seaside town, two schoolgirls are assaulted by a middle-aged man in a motel. Mia, a teenager who was working on reception that night, is the only witness. For fear of losing her job, she says nothing. Meanwhile, 12-year-old Wen, one of the victims, finds that her troubles have only just begun. Trapped in a world that offers them no safety, Mia and Wen will have to find their own way out.
IMDB Rating: 7.1
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: China, France
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: political
Similar in 75%
Gone with the River (2015)
Plot Summary:
Dauna dared to be different. She faced the ancestral practices of her culture and she paid the price. She made decisions which made herself suffer and others as well. Without giving up before defeats and loses, these led her to reconcile and become part of a legend herself.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 46
Genere: Drama
Country: Venezuela
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: non-linear
Similar in 90%
Shadow Days (2014)
Plot Summary:
A quasi-ghost story about a young urban Chinese couple returning to their dusty rural roots interrogates one child policy and authoritarianism.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 53
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 89%
Tara Road (2005)
Plot Summary:
Two grieving women - Ria, a Dublin mom whose husband discloses he's in love with a woman already pregnant, and Marilyn, a Connecticut Yankee who's son has died - swap houses for a couple months. Marilyn finds solace in Ria's garden and becomes friends with Colm, a local with a restaurant and his own demons. Ria gets a job cooking, has a date or two, and gradually comes out of her shell. Meanwhile,.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: Ireland
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: sentimental, serious, emotional, feel good, spiritual, independent film, realistic
Similar in 89%
11 Flowers (2011)
Plot Summary:
A coming-of-age story set during China's Cultural Revolution. 11 year old Wang Han finds himself entangled with a fugative and struggles to understand the adult world.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 743
Genere: Crime, Drama, History
Country: China, France
Duration: 110 min
Plot tags: sincere, atmospheric, touching, captivating, serious, realistic, semi autobiographical, independent film
Similar in 89%
Frozen (1996)
Plot Summary:
A young performance artist decides to make his own suicide his last work of art. On the longest day of the year, he plans to melt a huge block of ice with his own body heat and die of hypothermia. He calls this protest against the coldness of society "Funeral on Ice." Based on a true story.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 301
Genere: Drama
Country: China, Netherlands, Hong Kong
Duration: 99 min
Plot tags: controversial, avant garde, crying, independent film
Similar in 83%
Journey to a Mother's Room (2018)
Plot Summary:
The movie about a daughter, who leaves home for the first time. Her mother, left behind, doesn't know how to fill the empty place.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: Spain, France
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: captivating, social, independent film, entertaining
Similar in 86%
True Mothers (2020)
Plot Summary:
After a long and unsuccessful struggle to get pregnant, convinced by the discourse of an adoption association, Satoko and her husband decide to adopt a baby boy. A few years later, their parenthood is shaken by a threatening unknown girl, Hikari, who pretends to be the child's biological mother. Satoko decides to confront Hikari directly.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: Japan, France
Duration: 140 min
Plot tags: captivating, entertaining
Similar in 87%
Eternity (2016)
Plot Summary:
The story of the women and relationships that define a family across a century.
IMDB Rating: 5.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: France, Belgium
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, sentimental, melancholic, family saga
Similar in 88%
Fantasia (2014)
Plot Summary:
Father got leukaemia. Mother was laid off long ago. She had to borrow money for her husband everywhere. Sister went to a night club to be a waitress secretly and soon became a “call girl”. Lin was cold-shouldered at school because of father’s illness. He became disgusted of school. One day, at the riverside, he found a dilapidated ship and knew the strange “father and daughter”. Lin made friends with that girl and helped them to steal iron stone. Because of Lin’s frequent absences the teacher came to see mother. He was sympathy for her. One day, Lin discovered his teacher was at his home with mother together…Lin went to see father. He could not help emerging out such a fantasy: He pinched father’s transfusion tube…Lin came to the riverside once again, but that ship disappeared….
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 51
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 79%
Wildside (1998)
Plot Summary:
Charming desperado Ossy, carryng a deadly secret, tracks down his childhood pal Jimmy in Iceland. But Jimmy, now with a family and a regular job, will do anything to hide his past.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 731
Genere: Drama
Country: Denmark, Iceland
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: crying
Similar in 82%
The Bride (1973)
Plot Summary:
The struggles of a migrant Anatolian family to adapt to and survive in the very different conditions of urban Istanbul. A young woman moves with her husband and small child to her husband's family in Istanbul. Her son becomes ill and the doctor tells her that he will soon die if he doesn't get an operation. The family refuses to help her because they can't see anything wrong with the boy and all money is needed for a new shop they have just opened. When her son dies she takes a desperate step.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: Turkey
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: captivating, touching, sentimental, suspense, art house
Similar in 88%
Through The Fire (2018)
Plot Summary:
Centres around a Paris fire-fighter, an everyday hero, who, after being involved in a serious accident during a major fire, must rebuild his life with the love of his wife — and accept that, sometimes, even saviours need saving.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: France, Belgium
Duration: 116 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 86%
Heal the Living (2016)
Plot Summary:
It all starts at daybreak, three young surfers on the raging seas. A few hours later, on the way home, an accident occurs. Now entirely hooked up to life-support in a hospital in Le Havre, Simon’s existence is little more than an illusion. Meanwhile, in Paris, a woman awaits the organ transplant that will give her a new lease on life.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 4000
Genere: Drama
Country: France, Belgium
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: psychological, touching, suspense, suspenseful, sentimental, sincere, social, existential
Similar in 90%
Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles (2005)
Plot Summary:
Takada, a Japanese fisherman has been estranged from his son for many years, but when the son is diagnosed with terminal cancer his daughter-in-law, Rie, summons him to the hospital. Through a series of obstacles and relationships, he is brought unexpectedly closer to both an understanding of himself and of his son.
IMDB Rating: 7.3
IMDB Votes: 6000
Genere: Drama
Country: China, Japan, Hong Kong
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: touching, emotional, serious, realistic, stylized, road movie, crying, independent film, art film
Similar in 75%
Seventeen Years (1999)
Plot Summary:
Is a simple family drama that evolves into a moving study of immutable family ties and is also a scathing indictment of the political and penal system in China.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 626
Genere: Drama
Country: Switzerland, China, Italy, Hong Kong
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: tense, serious, realistic, crying
Similar in 77%
Drifters (2003)
Plot Summary:
The young adult life of Hong Yunsheng, nicknamed Little Brother, is seen as somewhat of a failure by those that know him. A Chinese national, he stowed away on a boat to the United States, where he worked as a dishwasher in the restaurant of a family from his hometown back in Fujian province. After two years in the States and after fathering an illegitimate child there named Fusheng, the child's mother Xuhui who is the restaurateur's daughter, he was deported back to China. Since, he has been floundering in life, which has caused a rift between himself and his older brother, who, with his wife, operate a street front diner and can't have children of their own. Little Brother relies on his new girlfriend, a woman he barely knows named Wu Ruifang who is a performer in a touring opera troupe, for emotional support. Despite Little Brother being the local poster boy for not stowing away, his friend named Monkey tried to do the same, but died on the voyage over due to exposure to toxic.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 304
Genere: Drama
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 120 min
Plot tags: psychological, serious, realistic, sincere, crying
Similar in 77%
Go Toward the Light (1988)
Plot Summary:
A young couple faces the realities of life with their child who is diagnosed with AIDS.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 572
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 93 min
Plot tags: touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, gloomy
Similar in 79%
So B. It (2016)
Plot Summary:
A young girl named Heidi who lives with her mentally disabled mother, travels across the country to find out about her and her mothers past.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 630
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: sad
Similar in 90%
An Early Frost (1985)
Plot Summary:
Set in the mid-eighties Michael Pierson, a young gay man, is struck with AIDS in the prime of his life. He's forced to be open about the disease and his homosexuality for the first time with his co-workers (he's a successful lawyer) and family. He, and the people around him, must face up to the inevitablity of his death and the disease that's killing him. "An Early Frost" was many people's first look at an AIDS victim as a human being instead of a statistic.
IMDB Rating: 8.0
IMDB Votes: 2000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: sincere, touching, serious, captivating, emotional, realistic, gloomy, tear jerker, queer cinema, tearjerker
Similar in 89%
I've Loved You So Long (2008)
Plot Summary:
A woman struggles to interact with her family and find her place in society after spending fifteen years in prison.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 21000
Genere: Drama
Country: France, Germany
Duration: 117 min
Plot tags: touching, realistic, psychological, sincere, emotional, heartbreaking, melancholic, independent film, serious, political
Similar in 79%
All or Nothing (2002)
Plot Summary:
Penny's love for her partner, taxi-driver Phil, has run dry. He is a gentle, philosophical guy, and she works on the checkout at a supermarket.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 11000
Genere: Drama
Country: UK, France
Duration: 128 min
Plot tags: depressing, emotional, bleak, serious, realistic, meditative, sentimental, sincere, talky, offbeat
Similar in 89%
Do it Right (2017)
Plot Summary:
Nassim, a 16-year-old boy, is placed with a family in the suburbs following the death of his drug addict mother. But he refuses to integrate into the social setting that surrounds him. He invents another life for himself, similar to that of his mates at the big Parisian high school he goes to. There’s no reason for that to change. His two lives, his home life and his school life, must be kept separate at all costs.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 253
Genere: Drama
Country: France
Duration: 98 min
Plot tags: psychological, suspense, tense, unusual plot structure, suspenseful, contemplative, semi autobiographical
Similar in 84%
Leo (2002)
Plot Summary:
A young mother is plagued by a tragic mistake and alienates her little boy. A brilliant writer is released from prison after serving a 15-year sentence and begins working at Vic's Diner. Their stories converge when the man must overcome obstacles of the past to save the little boy and ultimately himself.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: UK, USA
Duration: 104 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, captivating, suspense, sincere, crying
Similar in 85%
The Kite Runner (2007)
Plot Summary:
After spending years in California, Amir returns to his homeland in Afghanistan to help his old friend Hassan, whose son is in trouble.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 82000
Genere: Drama
Country: UK, China, USA
Duration: 128 min
Plot tags: emotional, disturbing, inspirational, sincere, psychological, touching, realistic, educational, sad, motivational
Similar in 80%
Nine Lives (2005)
Plot Summary:
Captives of the very relationships that define and sustain them, nine women resiliently meet the travails and disappointments of life.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA, Mexico
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: emotional, talky, intense, sentimental, sincere, touching, serious, realistic, depressing, anthology
Similar in 77%
12 and Holding (2005)
Plot Summary:
Three pre-adolescents with virginal and eager-of-signals naivety, hit headlong against monstrous and inhospitable loneliness, in the incandescent fire among the ashes of their own inocence.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 7000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: touching, realistic, emotional, heartbreaking, sad, sentimental, serious, depressing, harsh, art house
Similar in 79%
Red Roses and Petrol (2003)
Plot Summary:
A dysfunctional Irish family gathers after the death of their patriarch.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 124
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 97 min
Plot tags: psychological, sincere, touching, serious, captivating, black comedy, dark comedy
Similar in 78%
My Mother (2015)
Plot Summary:
Margherita, a director in the middle of an existential crisis, has to deal with the inevitable and still unacceptable loss of her mother.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 8000
Genere: Drama
Country: Italy, France, Germany
Duration: 106 min
Plot tags: sentimental, touching, psychological, captivating, suspense, disturbing, social, existential, crying
Similar in 79%
Ordinary People (1980)
Plot Summary:
Beth, Calvin, and their son Conrad are living in the aftermath of the death of the other son. Conrad is overcome by grief and misplaced guilt to the extent of a suicide attempt. He is in therapy. Beth had always preferred his brother and is having difficulty being supportive to Conrad. Calvin is trapped between the two trying to hold the family together.
IMDB Rating: 7.7
IMDB Votes: 56000
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 124 min
Plot tags: psychological, emotional, depressing, realistic, sentimental, compassionate, crying, serious, existential, inspirational